Practice Area: Criminal Defense
Description: Seattle Police arrested my client in Westlake Park during the 2011 Occupy Seattle protests on obstruction charges. The City refused to dismiss the case as it had done for many other defendants. We brought motions challenging the arrest and police conduct on First Amendment grounds. These motions were granted and the court found the defendant was exercising his constitutional right to free speech.
Outcome: Obstruction charge from the Occupy Seattle protest was dismissed. Court found defendant was exercising constitutional right to free speech by engaging in peaceful protest and City had no compelling interest in clearing Westlake Park for cleaning. Court determined my client was engaged in peaceful protest and that Seattle Police activity in removing my client from Westlake Park served no legitimate lawful purpose.